Complete Guide to Avianca Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Welcome aboard if you’re flying with Avianca, Colombia’s main airline and one of the oldest in the world that’s still flying. Its main base is at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. Avianca connects the Americas and the rest of the world smoothly. The airline flies to over 75 places in 25 countries. So, if you’re heading to Miami for business, Madrid for a holiday, Cusco for culture, or exploring Colombian cities like Medellín and Cartagena, Avianca can get you there.

What makes Avianca stand out? Well, it started way back in 1919, giving it a unique feel and a deep understanding of flying. As part of the Star Alliance, Avianca offers easy global connections and shared benefits, including its popular LifeMiles loyalty program. People often mention Avianca’s modern planes, friendly staff, and flexible prices. They manage to offer the service of a long-established airline with the competitive prices of a newer one. This makes it a top choice for travel in Latin America and beyond.

This guide is here to help you with your Avianca trip. We’ll go through all the important details. We’ll explain the checked and carry-on baggage rules, talk about the food and drinks on board, and look at how to travel with pets. We’ll also cover managing your bookings, including cancellations, and how to get special help if you need it. Finally, we’ll share some tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Avianca Checked Baggage Policy

Understanding Avianca’s checked bag rules isn’t too hard once you know about the Avianca baggage dimensions and the two main systems they use: the Weight Concept and the Piece Concept. Which one applies depends on where you’re flying.

Weight Concept

This system is mostly used for flights between Europe and the Americas. Here, the total weight of your bags is what matters, though there’s still a limit on the number of bags depending on your seat class. It’s a simpler system for long international flights.

Avianca Checked Baggage Allowance (Weight Concept - Europe to Americas)

Important Note: Even with the weight concept, you can only bring the number of bags shown. You can’t, for example, bring two bags of 11.5 kg in Economy to hit the 23 kg limit. It’s one bag at that maximum weight.

Piece Concept

This Piece Concept is used for most of Avianca’s routes, including all flights within the Americas (Colombia, North, Central, and South America). With this system, your allowance depends on the fare type you bought. Avianca has broken down its Economy fares into different ““sizes””—XS, S, M, and L—each with different items included.

Avianca Checked Baggage Allowance (Piece Concept - Within the Americas)

If you have LifeMiles Elite status (Silver, Gold, Diamond), you might get extra baggage, no matter your fare. It’s always good to check your booking details or the LifeMiles website for your specific benefits.

Avianca Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, some items are strictly not allowed in your checked bags. Trying to pack them might mean they get taken away, you get fined, or you might even be stopped from flying.

• Explosives: Things like fireworks, flares, gunpowder, and dynamite are completely banned.
• Flammable Items: Lighter fluid, paint, fuel, most matches, and aerosols that can catch fire are not allowed.
• Gases: Compressed gases like pepper spray, mace, camping gas, and oxygen tanks (unless approved for medical use) are forbidden.
• Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury, and wet cell batteries cannot be checked in.
• Poisons: Items like bug spray, weed killer, and anything with live viruses are not permitted.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything with radioactive material is banned.
• Lithium Batteries: Extra or uninstalled lithium batteries must go in your carry-on. This includes power banks.
• E-cigarettes: These need to be in your carry-on and cannot be used or charged on the plane.
• Valuables: It’s a very good idea not to pack cash, jewelry, electronics, important papers, or medicines in checked bags. Keep these with you instead.

Avianca Extra Baggage Fee

If you need to bring more than your allowed luggage, Avianca lets you buy extra baggage. The main question is, how much does Avianca charge for extra baggage? The cost really depends on where you’re flying, what fare you bought, and when you buy it. Buying extra bags online before your flight is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Prices can change, but here’s a general idea to help you plan. Always use Avianca’s official tool on their website for the most accurate prices for your specific flight.

Estimated Costs for Additional Baggage (Buying Online):

• First Checked Bag (23 kg / 50 lb) for XS and S Fares:

  • Domestic Colombia: Around $15 - $30 USD
  • Within South America: Around $40 - $60 USD
  • To/From North America: Around $45 - $70 USD
  • To/From the Caribbean: Around $30 - $55 USD

• Second Checked Bag (23 kg / 50 lb):

  • Domestic Colombia: Around $20 - $40 USD
  • To/From North America: Around $80 - $100 USD
  • To/From Europe: Around $90 - $120 USD

• Third Bag and More: The price goes up a lot for each extra bag, often $150 - $250 USD or more, especially on international routes.

Fees for Overweight and Oversized Baggage:

These fees are on top of any regular or extra bag fees. A bag could be both overweight and oversized, meaning two fees. It’s best to be prepared.

• Overweight Baggage:

  • 24 kg (51 lb) to 32 kg (70 lb): Expect a fee of about $50 - $100 USD, depending on the route. This is for Economy passengers who need to add weight to a bag. Business Class bags can already be up to 32 kg.
  • 33 kg (71 lb) to 45 kg (100 lb): This is considered heavy baggage and has a higher fee, usually $100 - $200 USD. Not all routes allow this weight, and it needs approval beforehand.

• Oversized Baggage:

  • For bags with total measurements between 159 cm (62.1 inches) and 230 cm (90.5 inches), the fee is usually around $80 - $150 USD. This depends on the route.
  • Items bigger than 230 cm (90.5 inches) usually can’t be checked in and must be sent as cargo. This includes things like surfboards or kayaks.

To save money and avoid stress, weigh and measure your bags at home before going to the airport. If you know you’ll be over the limit, buy the extra allowance online at least 24 hours before your flight. It’s a simple step that pays off.

Avianca Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on allowance also depends on your fare. It’s important to check which fare ““size”” you picked. The most basic fare (XS) has a very limited allowance. A carry-on bag is usually a small roller bag that fits in the overhead bin. A personal item is a smaller bag that needs to go under the seat in front of you.

Avianca Carry-On Allowance by Fare

Note for Size XS Fare Holders: If you get to the gate with a carry-on bag that’s too big for a personal item, you’ll pay a hefty fee to check it. It’s much cheaper to buy a checked bag ahead of time if you need more space.

Avianca Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on and/or personal item, you can usually bring these items on board without them counting towards your allowance:

• A coat, jacket, or blanket
• A small duty-free shopping bag from the airport
• An umbrella or walking stick
• A small camera and/or binoculars
• Reading material (a reasonable amount)
• Mobility aids like crutches or walkers
• Food for a baby for the flight

Avianca Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

Your carry-on bags go through strict security checks. Besides obvious things like weapons, the main restriction is on liquids. It’s important to know the Avianca liquid allowance.

• This follows the international 3-1-1 rule. Liquids, gels, and creams must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
• All these small containers must fit easily into one clear, resealable plastic bag that can hold up to 1 liter.
• You need to show this bag separately at security.
• Exceptions: This rule doesn’t apply to medications (with a prescription if needed), baby milk/food, or special dietary foods for the flight. You must tell security about these.
• Sharp Objects: Scissors longer than 6 cm (2.4 inches), knives, box cutters, and razor blades are not allowed.
• Sports Equipment: Things like baseball bats or ski poles can’t be in the cabin.
• Self-Defense Items: Tasers, stun guns, and pepper spray are strictly forbidden.

Avianca Food Policy

Will you get a meal on your flight? It really depends on where you’re going, how long the flight is, and which class you’re flying. The Avianca food menu offers everything from basic snacks and drinks to multi-course meals. They also have a buy-on-board option for more choices.

Domestic and Short-Haul International Flights (under 4.5 hours):

On most of these flights, like those within Colombia or to nearby countries, Avianca usually provides free drinks, including water, coffee, and juices. For food, they have a buy-on-board program. You can buy snacks, sandwiches, and other light meals.

• Examples: You might find a ham and cheese croissant for around $7 USD, or chips for about $4 USD. The selection can vary.

Medium and Long-Haul International Flights (over 4.5 hours):

On longer flights, to places like North America, the southern cone of South America, or Europe, a proper meal is included with your ticket for all classes.

• Economy Class: Passengers usually get a free hot meal. You can typically choose between two main options (like chicken or pasta), with a side salad, bread, and dessert. Drinks are also included, like soft drinks, juices, and some alcoholic beverages. On very long flights, a second, simpler meal might be served before landing.
• Business Class: The dining experience is much nicer here. You might start with a welcome drink when you board. The meal is served in courses on real plates. It could include:
  • An appetizer (like smoked salmon)
  • A choice of three or four main dishes, often with international flavors and a Colombian touch.
  • Cheese and fruit selection.
  • A delicious dessert.
  • A full bar service with a good selection of wines and spirits is available.

Avianca Pet Policy

Avianca welcomes pets, but traveling with one needs careful planning and following specific rules to keep everyone safe and comfortable. You must request and confirm this service beforehand, as space is limited for animals.

In-Cabin Pets (PETC):

Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin with you.

• Cost: Fees differ by route. For domestic flights in Colombia, it’s around $25-35 USD. For international flights, it can be $135 to $170 USD.
• Size and Weight Limits: The pet and its carrier must not weigh more than 10 kg (22 lb). The carrier (a soft one is usually best) shouldn’t be bigger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches) and must fit under the seat. Your pet needs to be able to stand and turn around inside.
• Requirements: Pets must be at least 4 months old. They can’t travel in Business Class on bigger planes like the Boeing 787.

Pets in Hold (AVIH):

Larger animals that don’t fit the in-cabin rules can be sent in the cargo hold, which has controlled temperature and pressure.

• Cost: This is more expensive. For domestic flights, it might be around $50-60 USD. For international flights, expect $230 to $300 USD, depending on where you’re going and the animal’s size.
• Size and Weight Limits: The animal and its crate can weigh up to 70 kg (154 lb), with crate dimensions up to 300 cm (118 linear inches). Specific limits can depend on the plane type.
• Breed Restrictions: Avianca does not allow brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog and cat breeds in the hold. This is because of breathing risks. Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats fall into this category.

Required Documents:

Paperwork is very important. You’ll usually need:

• A health certificate from a vet, given within a certain time before travel (like 10 days).
• Proof of rabies vaccination and other needed shots.
• For international travel, any required import/export permits for the destination country, and potentially a pet passport for EU travel.

Other Avianca Services & Policies

Besides flights and luggage, Avianca has other services and rules important for travelers.

Avianca Cancellation Policy

Avianca’s rules for canceling and getting refunds depend directly on the fare conditions you bought and where you bought the ticket. It’s good to know these in advance.

• 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: If you bought your ticket in the United States at least 7 days before flying, U.S. law says you can cancel your booking without penalty within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund. This is a helpful consumer protection.
• Right of Withdrawal (Colombia): For tickets bought directly through Avianca in Colombia, you can cancel within 5 business days of booking, as long as the flight isn’t within the next 5 business days.
• Fare Rules: In other cases, the policy depends on your fare:
  • Size XS and S (Basic Economy): These tickets are usually non-refundable. If you cancel, you’ll probably only get back the airport taxes, and a service fee might be taken out. Changes might be possible for a significant fee plus any difference in the fare.
  • Size M (Classic): These fares might offer more flexibility. Canceling could mean getting a travel voucher for later use, minus a cancellation fee.
  • Size L (Flex) and Business Class: These are the most flexible fares. They might be partly or fully refundable, sometimes with a smaller fee. Changes are often allowed with fewer penalties.
• Process: To cancel or change a flight, use the ““Manage Your Booking”” section on the Avianca website. Always read the fare conditions carefully before buying so you know your options if your plans change.

Avianca Wheelchair Assistance

Avianca is committed to making travel safe and comfortable for passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchair help is provided for free.

• Requesting the Service: You should ask for wheelchair help when you book your flight. If you’ve already booked, add this request through ““Manage Your Booking”” or by calling them at least 48 hours before departure. This helps make sure staff are ready when you arrive.
• Types of Assistance: They use international codes for different needs:
  • WCHR: For people who can walk short distances and climb stairs but need a wheelchair for longer distances to/from the gate.
  • WCHS: For people who can walk short distances but cannot climb stairs.
  • WCHC: For people who are completely immobile and need help from their seat on the plane to and from the terminal.
• Traveling with Your Own Wheelchair: You can bring your own manual or battery-powered wheelchair. You must tell Avianca ahead of time. For battery-powered wheelchairs, you need to give details about the battery type (spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion) to follow regulations. The wheelchair will be transported in the plane’s hold at no extra cost.

Tips for Passengers

To make your Avianca trip smooth, always check the details. Airline policies, baggage fees, and flight times can and do change. The most reliable source for information is always the official Avianca website. Before you fly, take a moment to look at your booking details, check the baggage allowance for your fare and route, and confirm the latest travel requirements for your destination. This small step can save you from unexpected costs and stress at the airport.

After a long flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck with your bags, especially if you have hours to wait for your hotel or a connecting flight. A service like Qeepl can really make a difference. With many secure locations in cities worldwide, you can safely store your luggage for a few hours or days. This lets you explore the city—whether it’s Bogotá, London, or New York—without carrying your bags and make the most of your trip.

Finally, a few extra tips can improve your travel experience. Consider joining Avianca’s LifeMiles program; even flying occasionally can earn miles for future discounts and perks. Always check in online 24-48 hours before your flight to pick your seat and save time at the airport. And for long journeys, pack a neck pillow, a portable charger, and download some shows or podcasts, just in case the in-flight entertainment isn’t your style. Happy travels!